Cost of Living in Bern, Switzerland

Are you considering a move to Bern, Switzerland, and wondering about the cost of living? Bern is a diverse city with a lot to offer, but like any city, it comes with its own set of expenses. In this page, we'll break down the cost of living in Bern and help you understand whether $4151 per month is moderately priced, given the average monthly salary of $6956.67.

Restaurants
Markets
Transportation
Childcare
Clothing
Rent Per Month
Buy Apartment
Salaries
Bern, Switzerland
restaurant

Restaurants

Price

World Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

26.28 $

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

94.28 $

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

17.14 $

Domestic Beer (1 pint draught)

7.43 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

5.71 $

Cappuccino (regular)

5.45 $

Coke/Pepsi (12 oz small bottle)

4.7 $

Water (12 oz small bottle)

4.29 $

store

Markets

Price

World Range

Milk (regular), (1 gallon)

1.87 $

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb)

2.82 $

Rice (white), (1 lb)

2.23 $

Eggs (regular) (12)

6.16 $

Local Cheese (1 lb)

24.37 $

Chicken Fillets (1 lb)

29.08 $

Beef Round (1 lb) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

49.15 $

Apples (1 lb)

3.83 $

Banana (1 lb)

2.95 $

Oranges (1 lb)

2.89 $

Tomato (1 lb)

3.86 $

Potato (1 lb)

2.34 $

Onion (1 lb)

2.06 $

Lettuce (1 head)

1.96 $

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

1.13 $

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

12.57 $

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

1.63 $

Imported Beer (12 oz small bottle)

2.07 $

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

10.51 $

commute

Transportation

Price

World Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

3.43 $

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

90.28 $

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

7.89 $

Taxi 1 mile (Normal Tariff)

5.09 $

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

82.28 $

Gasoline (1 gallon)

2.23 $

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

37140.35 $

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

53329.74 $

mark_as_unread

Utilities (Monthly)

Price

World Range

Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft Apartment

302.9 $

1 min. of Prepaid Mobile Tariff Local (No Discounts or Plans)

--

Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)

51.14 $

kitesurfing

Sports And Leisure

Price

World Range

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult

73.14 $

Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)

17.14 $

Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat

22.28 $

child_friendly

Childcare

Price

World Range

Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child

2651.25 $

International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child

30474.14 $

checkroom

Clothing And Shoes

Price

World Range

1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

134.47 $

1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)

53.33 $

1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)

143.56 $

1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes

181.21 $

night_shelter

Rent Per Month

Price

World Range

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1322.4 $

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre

999.93 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

2685.53 $

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre

1989.48 $

home

Buy Apartment Price

Price

World Range

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment in City Centre

11770.25 $

Price per Square Feet to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre

8399.81 $

account_balance_wallet

Salaries And Financing

Price

World Range

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

6956.67 $

Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate

2.53 %

Cost of Living in Bern, Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the monthly cost of living in Bern?

The monthly expenses for living in Bern come to a total of approximately $4151. This includes an average monthly rent of around $1322 for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, along with utilities costing about $328 per month. Additionally, other expenses such as groceries, transportation, dining out, and leisure activities for one person amount to approximately $1721 per month.

How affordable is living in Bern?

Living in Bern appears to be relatively budget-friendly when considering the average monthly income of $6956.67. However, to enjoy a comfortable standard of living in Bern, you would likely need an income exceeding $6956.67.

What is the average salary in Bern?

In Bern, the average monthly post-tax salary hovers around $6956.67, and it isn't tied to any particular skillset or qualification.

What is the average rent in Bern?

The typical monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the central area of Bern is approximately $1322. If you're open to living in a location outside the city center, you can expect to pay around $999.93 for such an apartment.

What is the cost of groceries in Bern?

The expense for groceries in Bern can fluctuate based on personal choices and shopping patterns. Typically, an individual can budget around $1258 per month for groceries. Nevertheless, the actual costs may change depending on various factors, including the specific items bought, the choice of stores, and the availability of discounts or special offers.

What is the cost of living in Switzerland?

The cost of living in Switzerland can vary significantly depending on the particular city you have in mind. Using a nationwide average might not provide accurate information. To get a more precise understanding, it's crucial to examine the cost of living in various cities throughout Switzerland.

Bern, Switzerland

How Safe Is Bern, Switzerland for Travel?
Warnings & Dangers in Bern, Switzerland

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women traveling alone in Bern can feel absolutely safe at any time of the day or night.

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Bern is a safe enough city, the level of crime is low. Travelers should be vigilant, use common sense and follow the same safety precautions as you’ll be used in every Europe country.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Taxis and public transport are absolutely safe to travel at any time of the day or night. Public transport runs on a clear schedule and you can always know exactly when to expect a bus or tram.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Petty robberies as pickpockets happen in Bern, mainly in public transport or in crowd tourist places. Be on the alert.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Most often, the Bern region is not prone to natural disasters. There is little risk of an earthquake. As usual, check out reliable sources of information on this subject before traveling here.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Stealing vehicles in Bern may occur if you don't lock your car or bicycle. Travelers may become a victim of a robbery on streets if they appear at late night in city suburbs. Be careful while walking by the city late at night.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There no terror cases in Bern last time. However, as elsewhere, you should be alert and study the news before a visit.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Normally in Bern, there is no scamming. However, like in every capital city, petty cheats with tourists can occur. Be careful and book your accommodation and entrance fees to museums/performances in licensed sources.

Useful Information & Tips
credit_card

Visas

You need to have a valid passport to travel to Bern. For stays that are 90 days or shorter, visas are not required. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa from the Switzerland Embassy, unless you have Schengen.

currency_exchange

Currency

Swiss franc or CHF is the currency and legal tender of Switzerland. Sometimes you can also pay in Euro here.

cloudy_snowing

Weather

The best time to visit Bern for ideal weather is from the end of May to Mid September. Temperatures feel cold for about half of the year and otherwise nice with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

flight_takeoff

Airports

Bern has The Regional Aerodrome Bern-Belp located 10 km from the city center. It serves civil and Swiss Air Force flights.

health_and_safety

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Bern, Switzerland

What about weather in Bern, Switzerland ?
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 67°F 68°F 72°F 77°F 82°F 89°F 95°F 96°F 91°F 83°F 73°F 66°F
Temp 53°F 55°F 58°F 62°F 67°F 73°F 78°F 79°F 75°F 68°F 59°F 53°F
Low 42°F 44°F 46°F 50°F 54°F 59°F 63°F 64°F 61°F 55°F 47°F 43°F
Average Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High 19°C 20°C 22°C 25°C 27°C 31°C 35°C 35°C 32°C 28°C 22°C 18°C
Temp 11°C 12°C 14°C 16°C 19°C 22°C 25°C 26°C 23°C 20°C 15°C 11°C
Low 5°C 6°C 7°C 10°C 12°C 15°C 17°C 17°C 16°C 12°C 8°C 6°C

Comparison Cost of living in other cities in Switzerland with Bern

Comparison Cost of living in other cities

Cost of living in countries